Posts Tagged by speech
The Right to Criticize American Institutions
Source: Speech before the American Anti-Slavery Society, May 11, 1847. I am very glad to be here. I am very glad to be present at this Anniversary, glad again to mingle my voice with those with whom I have stood identified, with those with whom I have laboured, for the last seven years, for the […] more
“Self-Made Men”
Speech by Frederick Douglass written in 1872. The subject announced for this evening’s entertainment is not new. Man in one form or another, has been a frequent and fruitful subject for the press, the pulpit and the platform. This subject has come up for consideration under a variety of attractive titles, such as “Great […] more
Frederick Douglass, A Free Man
As a slave in Baltimore, Frederick Douglass worked as a ship caulker. It was suggested to him by David Ruggles that the best place for him to settle would be New Bedford, Massachusetts as it had a flourishing ship building industry. In New Bedford they were received by Nathan Johnson and his wife. The couple […] more
“Another Word to Colored Men”
Source: Douglass Monthly, April 1863 Let me sound once more the trump of war. We should have blast on blast from that trumpet, till thrilled with its notes every brave black men of the North, capable of bearing arms, shall come forth, clad in complete steel, ready to make the twin monsters, slavery and […] more
“Men of Color to Arms!”
Broadside, Rochester, March 21, 1863 When first the rebel cannon shattered the walls of Sumter and drove away its starving garrison, I predicted that the war then and there inaugurated would not be fought out entirely by white men. Every month’s experience during these dreary years has confirmed that opinion. A war undertaken and brazenly […] more
“Why Should a Colored Man Enlist?”
Source: Frederick Douglass, Douglass’ Monthly, April 1863 This question has been repeatedly put to us while raising men for the 54th Massachusetts regiment during the past five weeks, and perhaps we cannot at present do a better service to the cause of our people or to the cause of the country than by giving a […] more
“Fighting Rebels With Only One Hand”
“Fighting Rebels With Only One Hand” was originally published in Douglass’ Monthly, September 1861. What on earth is the matter with the American Government and people? Do they really covet the world’s ridicule as well as their own social and political ruin? What are they thinking about, or don’t they condescend to think at all? […] more
“The Church and Prejudice”
“The Church and Prejudice” was a speech delivered at the Plymouth County Anti-Slavery Society on November 4, 1841. Source: The Life and Writings of Frederick Douglass, Volume I Philip S. Foner International Publishers Co., Inc., New York, 1950 At the South I was a member of the Methodist Church. When I came north, I thought […] more
